Players not at practice because of academy issues

Jamil Cooks during practice Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy. (Mark Reis, The Gazette file) Photo by

The five players who are not with the Air Force football team for training camp are not allowed to represent the academy in extracurricular activities, an academy spokesman said.

That confirms the absences of safety Anthony Wooding, linebacker Jamil Cooks, receivers Mikel Hunter and Brandon Hirneise and tight end Devin Durden stem from academy issues, which could include: a violation of the honor code, academics, military performance problems or a physical fitness issue. That’s all the academy will share about the reason those cadets are not with the football team, citing the Privacy Act. Here is the part of the Privacy Act the academy cited in an email to The Gazette when refusing to discuss any specifics concerning the cadets:

"No agency shall disclose any record which is contained in a system of records by any means of communication to any person, or to another agency, except pursuant to a written request by, or with the prior written consent of, the individual to whom the record pertains [subject to 12 exceptions]." 5 U.S.C. § 552a(b)

Football coach Troy Calhoun did not provide any insight on what the players were being punished for or if they can return to the team this season when asked again last Saturday. The absences were announced on Friday. Those players have been regular visitors on the sideline at practice. They have not been made available for comment.

Kurtz added to radio team

KKTV sports director Jesse Kurtz will be the color commentator for Air Force football radio broadcasts this fall. He replaces Lee Douglas, who died last winter. “It is my goal to make Lee proud of my efforts,” Kurtz said in a statement through Air Force.

Means dinged

Outside linebacker Alex Means left practice early with what appeared to be a left knee injury, but it isn’t considered serious. Calhoun didn’t provide any update on the injury after practice.

Contact Frank Schwab: 476-4891

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